Magilton knows the former Manchester United trainee well from the Northern Ireland set-up and would not rule out making a move for him if he fails to land Nugent.

He said: 'It is important we have one or two options. We have a couple on the back burner and it comes down to managers wanting to let go of squad players. It has been difficult because they have been reluctant to let people go but that won't stop me making enquiries.'